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Evaluate the relevance of module concepts to specific organisational contexts.
SCM5001 Operations and Supply Chain Management
Case Report –
Drivers of Operational Excellence; Impact of effective operations and supply chain management
Date for Submission: Please refer to the timetable on ilearn
(The submission portal on ilearn will close at 14:00 UK time on the date of submission)
Assignment Brief
As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Report assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing the module, you should be able to:
Evaluate the relevance of module concepts to specific organisational contexts.
Analyse the design of delivery systems and processes using appropriate models and frameworks.
Examine the performance of delivery systems and processes using appropriate models and frameworks.
Design appropriate strategies to enhance delivery, performance, and design.
Employ project management techniques to manage novel activity to realise benefits from process change in a complex environment.
Graduate Attribute:
Professionally knowledgeable in their subject area, with in‐depth comprehension, awareness, independent research skills, and other skills associated with their subject area and discipline(s). Evaluate understanding of subject area with the ability to identify key questions, research and pursue evidence-based arguments within the discipline using various academic and professional body resources.
All learning outcomes must be met to pass the module
Guidance
Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in AU Harvard system(s). You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.
You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number.
Maximum word count: 3000 words
Please refer to the full word count policy which can be found in the Student Policies section here: Arden University | Regulatory Framework
The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in text citations and references). The word count excludes numerical data in tables, figures, diagrams, footnotes, reference list and appendices. All other printed words ARE included in the word count.
Students who exceed the wordcount up to a 10% margin will not be penalised. Students should note that no marks will be assigned to work exceeding the specified limit once the maximum assessment size limit has been reached.
You are required to write a case study report, not exceeding 3,000 words, focusing on the impact of operations and supply chain management in an organisation’s quest for operational excellence. You may select an appropriate case from your professional environment, or if this isn`t possible, one will be provided for you. Your report should include:
An evaluation of two key drivers of operational excellence.
An analysis and evaluation of effective delivery systems, using suitable models and frameworks.
Recommendations aimed at enhancing supply chain operational excellence
This assessment will test your analytical abilities, your capability to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context and your capacity to suggest practical improvements within an organisational setting. You will find details of task components and mark allocation which will be used for final mark below.
Total (3000 Words) (100 Marks) (LOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Task components and mark allocation which will be used for final mark:
Evaluation of two key drivers of Operational Excellence (30 marks) Learning Outcome Covered: LO1, LO2
Marking Guidance:
- Introduction (10 marks): Provide a well-structured introduction that clearly identifies the impact of effective operational excellence supported with evidence from the literature. The introduction should also present a compelling argument on the significance of operational excellence in real-world supply chain management. Additionally, students should clearly identify the case study they have selected for analysis within this context.
- Depth of understanding (10 marks): Assess your understanding of operational excellence concepts. Your explanation should demonstrate a clear grasp of how these concepts are relevant and applicable to specific organisational settings.
- Contextual relevance (10 marks): Evaluate how effectively you connect these concepts to your chosen case study (including specific examples or scenarios from the organisation). Evaluate how well you have used literature to support or challenge the organisation`s practices.
An analysis and evaluation of effective delivery systems, using suitable models and frameworks. (30 marks)
Learning Outcomes Covered: LO2, LO3
Marking Guidance:
- Analytical depth (10 marks): You are expected to critically analyse the design and performance of your chosen organisation`s delivery systems. Utilise appropriate models and frameworks to support your analysis. You should carefully examine how these systems are structured and how effectively they operate, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. Make sure to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in your case study, providing a detailed and well-supported examination of how these systems contribute to operational excellence.
- Application of models/frameworks (10 marks): You need to demonstrate the accurate and relevant application of theoretical models and frameworks to your selected case study. Ensure that the models and frameworks you choose are appropriate for analysing the design and performance of the organisation’s delivery systems and processes. Your application should clearly show how these theoretical tools help in understanding the operational dynamics and decision-making within the organisation.
- Insightfulness of evaluation (10 marks): Your evaluation should provide insightful observations about the organisation`s operational efficiencies and inefficiencies. Discuss potential areas for improvement, identifying specific aspects of the organisation`s processes or systems that could be enhanced to optimise performance. Your analysis should be deep and reflective, aiming to highlight critical details that contribute to or detract from the organisation`s operational success
Recommendations aimed at enhancing supply chain operational excellence (20 marks) Learning Outcomes Covered: LO4, LO5
Marking Guidance:
- Strategic relevance (10 marks): Evaluate the relevance and practicality of the strategies you propose to enhance delivery and performance within the organisation. Your recommendations should be innovative showcasing your ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively. Focus on how these strategies can be realistically implemented to improve existing processes and overall operational efficiency. Ensure that your suggestions are not only original but also tailored to the specific needs and constraints of the organisation.
- Integration of project management techniques (10 marks): Assess how effectively you utilise project management techniques to manage and implement process changes within the chosen organisation. Your evaluation should detail the practical steps and strategies you propose, demonstrating how they align with the complexity and specific challenges of the organisation. Highlight your ability to apply these project management principles in a way that is both actionable and suited to the organisational context.
General Assessment Criteria (20 marks applicable across all components ):
Professionalism and presentation (3 marks): The case report should be professionally presented, well-organised and adherent to academic standards of writing.Research depth and integration (3 marks): Evaluate the extent and depth of research undertaken. The student should demonstrate the ability to seek out and integrate information from a variety of academic and professional resources.Critical reflection (4 marks): Critically reflect on what you have learned and how you have applied these insights to the case study. Your reflections should demonstrate a deep understanding of the discipline and an acute awareness of how theoretical concepts translate into practical applications. Highlight how these learnings have shaped your thinking and approach to operational excellence within the organisational context.Clarity and precision (5 marks): Ensure that your writing is clear and your arguments are precisely articulated. Your explanations should follow a logical structure, making it easy for readers to understand and follow your line of reasoning. Focus on presenting your points coherently, ensuring each argument is well- supported and effectively communicated.References (5 marks): Ensure that you adhere to the correct AU Harvard referencing style throughout your assignment, both within the text and in the references section. This involves consistently applying the specified citation format to all sources you reference, helping to maintain academic integrity and allowing readers to verify your research.
End of questions
Formative Feedback
You have the opportunity to submit a draft to receive formative feedback.
The feedback is designed to help you develop areas of your work and it helps you develop your skills as an independent learner.
If you are a distance learning student, you should submit your work, by email, to your tutor, no later than 2 weeks before the actual submission deadline. If you are a blended learning student, your tutor will give you a deadline for formative feedback and further details.
Formative feedback will not be given to work submitted after the above date or the date specified by your tutor - if a blended learning student.
Referencing Guidance
You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the AU Harvard referencing system(s).
Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject: Arden Library
Submission Guidance
Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.
Your assessment can be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file where your notes and narration are clearly accessible for marking.
If you chose to submit multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you are answering along with your student number ie Q1 Section A STUXXXX. If you wish to overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new submission is named exactly the same as the previous in order for the system to overwrite it.
You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key information on iLearn.)
Assessment Criteria (Learning objectives covered - all)
Level 5 reflects the continuing development in knowledge, understanding and skills from Level 4. At Level 5, students are not expected to be fully autonomous but are able to take responsibility for their own learning with appropriate guidance and direction. Students are expected to further develop their theoretical knowledge within a more intellectual context and to demonstrate this through more complex forms of expression which move beyond the descriptive or imitative domain. Students are expected to demonstrate skills of analysis in both problem-solving and resolution.
Grade
Mark
Bands
Generic Assessment Criteria
First (1)
80%+
An outstanding information base exploring and analysing the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical considerations. There is sophisticated use and management of learning resources, and a high degree of autonomy is demonstrated. Writing is outstandingly well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, outstanding professional skills are demonstrated. The work is original and with some additional effort could considered for internal publication.
70-79%
An excellent knowledge base within which the discipline is explored and analysed. There is a degree of originality in the approach. The work demonstrates confidence and autonomy and extends to consider ethical issues. Learning resources have been managed confidently. Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, an excellent level of professional skills is demonstrated, and the work demonstrates a high level of intellectual and academic skills.
Upper second (2:1)
60-69%
A very good knowledge base which explores and analyses the discipline, its theory, and any associated ethical issues. There is evidence of some originality and independence of thought. A very good range of learning resources underpin the work and there is evidence of growing confidence and self-direction. The work demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply theory with good academic and intellectual skills. Academic writing skills are very good, expression is accurate overall, and the work is consistently referenced throughout.
Lower second (2:2)
50-59%
A good understanding of the discipline which begins to analyse the subject and apply some underpinning theory. There may be reference to some of the ethical considerations. The work shows a sound level of competence in managing basic sources and materials. Academic writing skills are good and accurate overall, and the work is planned and structured with some though. Professional skills are good (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought, but academic and intellectual skills are moving into the critical domain. The work is referenced throughout.
Third (3)
40-49
Satisfactory level of performance in which there are some omissions in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. There is little evidence of independent thought, and the work shows a basic use of sources and materials. Academic and intellectual skills are limited. The work may lack structure overall. There are some difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). There is an attempt to reference the work.
Marginal Fail
30-39%
A limited piece of work in which there are clear gaps in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. The work shows a limited use of sources and materials. Academic and professional skills are weak and there are errors in expression and the work may lack structure overall. There are difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is largely imitative.
Clear fail
29% and Below
A poor performance in which there are substantial gaps in knowledge and understanding, underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The work shows little evidence in the use of appropriate sources and materials. Academic writing skills are very weak and there are numerous errors in expression. The work lacks structure overall. Professional skills (where appropriate) are not developed. The work is imitative.
Expert`s Advice
For your SCM5001 Operations and Supply Chain Management Case Report, focusing on Drivers of Operational Excellence and the Impact of Effective Operations and Supply Chain Management , you will need to discuss several key factors:
Drivers of Operational Excellence:
Process Optimisation : Highlight the importance of streamlining operations to reduce inefficiencies, improve productivity, and ensure high-quality outputs. This includes lean manufacturing, Six Sigma practices, and continuous improvement techniques.
Technology and Automation : Explore the role of digital tools, automation, and data analytics in driving operational excellence. Mention how advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and supply chain management software (e.g., ERP systems) enhance performance.
Employee Engagement and Skills Development : Discuss how fostering a culture of continuous learning, involving employees in decision-making, and upskilling can boost performance. Investing in human capital is crucial for long-term excellence.
Sustainability and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) : Explain the growing role of sustainable practices in operational excellence, where businesses focus on reducing waste, energy consumption, and adhering to environmental regulations.
Example Answer - Do Not Copy, It`s Plagiarised
Evaluate the relevance of module concepts to specific organisational contexts.
An evaluation of two key drivers of operational excellence. Operational excellence is a crucial aspect of business performance that focuses on improving processes and delivering exceptional value to customers. Two key drivers of operational excellence are continuous improvement and effective leadership .
1. Continuous Improvement (CI)
Continuous improvement, often linked to methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, emphasises the ongoing enhancement of processes to eliminate inefficiencies and increase productivity. It encourages a culture where employees at all levels seek incremental improvements in their daily tasks. CI is driven by data, feedback, and performance analysis, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to market changes, reduce costs, and improve quality. Companies that embed CI into their operations can better respond to customer needs and maintain competitive advantage by being more agile and efficient.
2. Effective Leadership
Effective leadership is another vital driver of operational excellence, as strong leaders set the vision, align resources, and motivate teams to execute strategies effectively. Leaders in operationally excellent organisations promote a culture of accountability, where every employee understands their role in achieving the company’s goals. Furthermore, leaders inspire a commitment to shared values, fostering an environment of trust, innovation, and collaboration. This results in improved decision-making, enhanced employee engagement, and the consistent delivery of high-quality products or services.
Continued....
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